Trump Triumphs Over Ding Junhui in Snooker World Open
The 2024 “Huading Nylon” Snooker World Open came to a thrilling conclusion in Yushan, Jiangxi, with defending champion Trump emerging victorious over Ding Junhui in a stunning 10-4 final match. The tournament, one of the oldest world snooker professional ranking events, saw many breakthroughs and achievements from players over the course of seven days.
Among the star-studded lineup were Ronnie O’Sullivan, Luca Brecher, Mark Selby, and a strong contingent of Chinese players including Ding Junhui and Zhang Anda. The competition was fierce, with England’s Zach Schulti recording his first 147 in the tournament’s history and Welsh player Jackson Paige reaching the semi-finals for the first time in his career.
The event also saw a surge in spectator numbers and online engagement, breaking records for attendance and viewership for this season’s world snooker events. The popularity of the World Open sparked a newfound craze for the sport, with the event dominating hot search trends.
Simon Brownell, CEO of World Snooker Limited, praised the success of the tournament in elevating the sport to new heights. The atmosphere in Yushan was lauded by many players, with some calling it the “Billiards Capital of China and a Famous Billiards City in the World“.
Yushan has cemented its status as a hub for billiards, with the inauguration of the World Billiards Museum and the World Billiards Hall of Fame. Snooker legends like Ding Junhui and Ronnie O’Sullivan were among the first inductees, showcasing the rich history of the sport and its impact on the local community and tourism industry.
Reflecting on his visit to the World Billiards Museum, O’Sullivan expressed his gratitude for the remarkable facilities and emphasized the importance of sharing the history of billiards with fans around the world.
The success of the Snooker World Open not only highlights the talent and dedication of players but also underscores the global appeal and economic benefits of hosting major sporting events in regions like Yushan County. The tournament has not only put Yushan on the map as a powerhouse in the billiards world but has also contributed to the overall development of the region.